EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – There were penalties, self-inflicted errors and a few cuts and bruises to Tom Brady, but the New England Patriots pulled out a 27-13 victory Sunday against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.

Here are three things we learned from the game:

1. Patriots may have found offensive identity

New England’s offense had been solid but inconsistent throughout the season. And with their 215-rushing yard performance, it may signal that New England (8-3) may be best served as a run-heavy offense.

First-round rookie Sony Michel scampered for 133 yards and one score on 21 carries – marking the most yardage Patriots back has had since former running back Jonas Gray racked up 201 in Week 11 of 2014.

Now that the Patriots offensive line is returning to health – with right guard Shaq Mason making his return from a broken hand – the ground game could be a focus in the final stretch of the season. Tight end Rob Gronkowski, who on Sunday also recorded just his second touchdown catch of the year, had been nursing ankle and back injuries but helped open holes for Michel and James White.

The Patriots will have to be efficient in the ground game as the season winds down; three of their remaining five opponents (Vikings, Steelers and Bills) rank in the top 10 in rushing defense.

2. Brady’s health is worth watching

Brady, who was listed as questionable with knee and illness, took his fair share of hits.

He wore a thick brace on his left knee, but late in the first half, the Patriot medical staff examined Brady’s other knee after he took a hard hit and landed on it.

Then, in the second quarter, he appeared to suffer a cut to his right, throwing hand on his thumb. When he returned to the sideline, trainers mended the cut and wrapped a bandage over the injury. Brady also grabbed a towel to blot away the blood.

He remained in the game but misfired on several throws. With 8:51 to play in the third quarter on a first-and-goal from the 9-yard line, the Jets crowded the middle of the field and forced Brady to make quick throws to the perimeter of the field – two to White and one to Gronkowski – all three of which were incomplete.

Later in the fourth quarter, on a deep pass intended for receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, Brady floated it, but it missed badly and hung in the air before falling harmlessly incomplete.

Still, Brady played very well, completing 20 of 31 passes for 283 yards and two touchdowns.

3. Patriots' pass rush remains an issue

New England entered the game ranked 30th in the NFL with only 15 sacks. Against New York, the Patriots struggled to pressure quarterback Josh McCown. And with ample time, he made enough plays to keep the Jets (3-8) competitive throughout most of the game.

The Patriots did get a pair of sacks in the second half – by defensive ends Deatrich Wise and Trey Flowers – but they were coverage sacks, as McCown lingered in the pocket with the ball in his hands too long with the game slipping out of hand.

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) celebrates with teammates after putting the Browns up 28-0 over the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman is upended by New York Jets cornerback Darryl Roberts after a first down reception in the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

New York Jets wide receiver Jermaine Kearse dives for a first quarter touchdown against New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones. The touchdown grab was Kearse's first of the season. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley scores on a 13-yard touchdown catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field, giving the rookie his 11th touchdown on the season. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Former Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson meets with Browns tight end Darren Fells prior to Cleveland's showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals. Jackson, who was fired by the Browns in October, was hired by the Bengals as a special assistant to the head coach. David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs onto the field prior to his second start at M&T Bank Stadium. The rookie rushed for 119 yards in his first significant action last week. Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott celebrates after being lifted into a Salvation Army kettle by running back Ezekiel Elliott after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins. Ron Jenkins, Associated Press